Lily Hu

College Admission Consulting and Chemistry Tutoring

After spending 15+ years as a researcher in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry, I chose to follow my passion to work with students. I have been volunteering as a tutor and college admission coach at College Track, and received my Certificate of College Admission Counseling from UCLA.

I received my Certificate of College Admission Counseling from UCLA with distinction, also became an associate member of IECA (Independent Educational Consultants Association) and a member of HECA (Higher Education Consultants Association).

My Approach

I dedicate myself to providing a personal and caring approach to helping high school students who are seeking higher education admission success. I work with a small number of students each year to make sure I give each student personal attention. I guide students all the way through the college search and application process. I recognize each student's unique learning style, skills, talents, and needs, and I tailor my approach accordingly.

Service Summary

  • Review students' profiles and provide advice on high school course selection
  • Provide recommendations for extracurricular involvement
  • Give personalized testing recommendations
  • Conduct in-depth interviews with students and parents on college preferences
  • Recommend a personalized college list
  • Guide students through the college application process across different platforms (Common App, UC, Coalition, etc.)
  • Advise students on college visits
  • Prepare students for admissions interviews
  • Help students with essay brainstorming, drafting, and revision
  • Encourage students to maintain a positive outlook on different college options
  • Be the students' cheerleader!

Affiliations

I follow "The Statement of Principles of Good Practice" set by the NACAC and honor the core values set by the association: Professionalism, Collaboration, Trust, Education, Fairness and Equity, and Social Responsibility.

Chemistry Tutoring

I hold a M.S. in Organic Chemistry and B.S. in Chemistry, and have multiple years of experience as a medicinal chemist in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. I am a co-inventor of several patents.

I tutor students in varying levels of chemistry courses:

  • High School Regular Chemistry
  • High School Honors Chemistry
  • High School AP Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry

Volunteer Involvement

  • Tutor and College Admission Coach at College Track (a nonprofit organization founded by Laurene Powell Jobs to serve students from low-income families)
  • Mentor for AAR (Advanced Authentic Research) in the Palo Alto Unified School District, with a special focus on chemistry and life-sciences research
  • PiE (Palo Alto Partners in Education) representative for Gunn High School

Testimonials

"Dear Lily, Words cannot express our gratitude for your help with Emma for the last 5-6 months! From your brainstorm with Emma on the essay, strategy with her application, many many rounds of discussion/editing for many many kinds of different essays! Of course, the extra work she put on you because of her late response/delivery! It takes patience, patience, and patience! Of course, experience, responsibility and all the other great virtues you have had as a great counselor for all these kids! Both Emma and our whole family are so lucky to have you around for the past 6 months! We sincerely wish the same luck to ALL of your students! All the best!"
- J. I. (Parent - Her daughter was admitted to Wellesley College through ED)


"Hi, Lily Firstly, happy holidays! Chem final grades came out today and I got 100 on the final! Thank you so much for helping me get an A in Chemistry this semester!"
- C. L. (Gunn High School, Chem H student)


"I am currently going to Purdue and I don’t think I would be where I am now without Lily’s help. When I was completely lost at the beginning, she helped guide me to figure out what I wanted to do, what kind of school I wanted, and where and tried to find the best options. I don’t feel like she pushed me towards big name schools just because they sound good on paper, but instead tried to find what fits me the best. Whenever I needed help or had a question, she would respond really quickly by email and would give plenty of details."
- Izabela B. (Student)


"Lily's knowledge about Gunn High School's curriculum is exceptional. When we bring up a college/university for consideration, Lily can immediately talk at length about different aspects of it. My daughter really trusts and respects her advice. She has a passion for what she is doing -- we can tell!"
- Maggie (Parent)


"Dear Lily, Thank you so much for helping me this year! I really appreciate your patience and how dedicated you are to helping me do my best!"
- Nora (Chemistry student)


"Dear Lily, Thank you for all your hard work and dedication with helping me on my college application! I appreciate your patience and taking the time to help me with my essays, QuestBridge and scholarship applications!"
- Anthony R. (Admitted to USC)


"Dear Lily, I am so excited to tell you that I got a full score on my chemistry SAT Subject test! I could not have achieved this without your help! Thank you!"
- Linda L. (Student)

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